Scotland

All that is solid melts into medication

by Stevie Anderson

728 people in Scotland killed themselves in 2016.

Our national consumption of anti-depressant medication has doubled in the last 10 years.

In the UK 3 in 4 have felt overwhelmed by stress within the last year – 1 in 6 has considered suicide when feeling this way.

On a global scale, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) cases of depression have increased almost 20% in a decade, making depression the leading cause of disability worldwide, and as Sarah Collins highlights, one in nine young people have attempted suicide, over two thirds of Glaswegians have experienced loneliness and two thirds of young women have been sexually harassed at work.

 » Read more » 

SCOTTISH SOCIALIST VOICE – ISSUE 441

Download A Marxist case for IndependenceIn this issue, the Scottish Socialist Party’s John McAllion – former Labour MP and MSP – explains why he thinks the Scottish Labour Party is a shadow of its former self. This theme is also taken up by Labour for independence’s Allan Grogan, and SSP workplace organiser Richie Venton in his piece ‘Ructions after the referendum’. 

 » Read more » 

Scottish Socialist Voice – Issue 440

Scottish Socialist Voice 440 PDF downloadIn this issue of the Scottish Socialist Voice, Jim Sillars looks at the evidence that pollsters are often totally wrong, especially where grassroots campaigns have taken a foothold. SSP co-spokesperson Colin Fox and John Finnie MSP look at the Yes campaigns chances as we’ve passed the 100-days-to-go marker in the referendum campaign period, Richie Venton urges a break from the billionaires’ bread line Britain, and Jonathon Shafi details the Radical Independence Campaign’s mass canvass event.

Also in this issue, Scottish Socialist Party councillor Jim Bollan writes about his third suspension from West Dunbartonshire Council, and compares his treatment with those of councillors from mainstream parties, and Pam Currie looks at the life of writer, activist and advocate for the rights of the oppressed,

 » Read more » 

SCOTTISH SOCIALIST VOICE – ISSUE 439

SSVIn this issue, we look at the European Parliamentary Election results, and why UKIP’s English earthquake was not repeated in Scotland, how they managed to sneak in a Scottish seat despite their lack of impact on the ground here, and what these results mean for the prospects of a Yes vote in September.

 » Read more » 

SCOTTISH SOCIALIST VOICE – ISSUE 438

Scottish Socialist VoiceIn this issue, the SSP’s national workplace organiser Richie Venton asks why, when it comes to reporting the stance of trade unionists on the referendum, the picture is consciously distorted in the mainstream media by announcements of national union leaderships declaring their adherence to Better Together? 

 » Read more » 

SCOTTISH SOCIALIST VOICE – ISSUE 437

SSV 437In this issue, published in time for May Day, Richie Venton explains why a Yes vote is the best option economically, politically and culturally for the working class in Scotland, and why Scottish independence – and the proper democracy it can bring – will be a beacon of hope for workers not only in the rest of the UK but also globally. And inside, you’ll find all the details you’ll need to donate to our indyref financial appeal. We’ve got to find £50,000 – and any contribution is welcome! 

 » Read more » 

SCOTTISH SOCIALIST VOICE – ISSUE 422

 

In this issue, SSP workplace organiser Richie Venton looks at zero hours contracts, which perfectly encapsulate the disgustingly exploitative system we live under. Far from being on the margins of the labour market, zero hours contracts are mushrooming, encouraged by the employers’ organisations and the mainstream pro-capitalist political parties.

 » Read more »